Sandestin, Miramar Beach vacation rentals

Located on a peninsula in northwest Florida’s panhandle along the spectacular Emerald Coast, Sandestin, Miramar Beach is a small community boasting stretches of gleaming white-sand beaches on all sides. Along the town’s southern border are the jewel-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and the Choctawhatchee Bay lies to the north, creating a stunning backdrop for boating, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply relaxing in the sun on the beach.

In the evenings, the docks come alive with live music performances right on the wharf, and you’ll often find outdoor movie screenings on the beach or fireworks shows above the Village Lagoon. Because it is surrounded by water on three sides, freshly caught grouper, snapper, oysters, and scallops are staples of the local food scene, with some restaurants offering seating directly over the water. Many restaurants will even let you bring your own catch of the day and cook it for you. Sandestin’s central location on the panhandle makes it a gateway for exploring other nearby beach towns, including Destin, Panama City Beach, and Pensacola Beach, as well as the Blackwater River State Forest.

The best time to visit Sandestin is during the spring and early summer, when warm temperatures create pleasant conditions for sunbathing, swimming, paddleboarding, golfing, and boating. From June until November, hurricane season brings the possibility of heavy rain and winds, so bear this in mind if you plan on visiting during this time. From September through May, the community hosts its Wednesday Night Concert Series, with music under the stars.

In October, an annual beer festival features hundreds of ales and craft beers, while the fine arts festival provides opportunities to browse work from artists around the country. Temperatures dip during the winter months, though it never gets too cold, and Sandestin hums with holiday festivities, including the Sandestin Festival of Trees in November and December and the 12 Nights of Lights during December.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Just under a 30-minute drive from Sandestin is the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, which spans nearly a quarter of a mile along Destin Harbor’s serene waters. The boardwalk eventually leads to HarborWalk Village, where you’ll find colorful boutiques selling jewelry and souvenirs, eateries offering everything from classic boardwalk fare like hot pretzels and funnel cake to freshly caught “pier-to-plate” seafood, live music and comedy performances, and a zipline where you can view the action from above.

Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard is a 765,000 square foot upscale hub for shopping and dining in Sandestin. Here you’ll find some of the biggest national retail brands alongside specialty shops selling locally made products and some of the best dining options in the city. The Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market takes place on Saturday mornings year-round and features an array of fresh fruits and veggies, artisanal baked goods, and handmade items.

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is a protected strip along the Emerald Coast offering more than 6,000 feet of pristine shoreline and pearly-white sands. Boardwalks provide access to the beach where you can sunbathe, take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and fish for catfish, pompano, flounder, and more. The park features a nature trail that winds through towering dunes and coastal scrub.